Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

FirstEnergy Foundation Funds Drone Training for Educators and Law Enforcement in New Jersey

The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Warren County Community College to enhance drone training for educators and police officers. This funding will support training for 20 high school STEM teachers and 10 police officers, preparing them for the FAA's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam, along with live flight training. This initiative is part of a larger $55,000 funding effort by the FirstEnergy Foundation aimed at supporting five educational programs in New Jersey, focusing on STEM fields. Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president of New Jersey, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation for careers in electrical systems and drone operations, highlighting New Jersey's legacy of innovation. As police departments increasingly utilize drones for various operations, training costs can be a barrier for smaller agencies. The program has already seen participation from officers across 10 police departments in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with Delaware Township Police Chief Robert Illes noting the critical role drones will play in future law enforcement operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.